Australian firm BVN Donovan Hill Architects designed the 'Australian Plant Bank' for the Royal Botanical Gardens at Mount Annan.The building functions as a research facility, equipped with both laboratories and archiving accommodations, committed to indigenous seed preservation. The building also accounts for visitors; exhibition rooms have been provided, allowing guests to observe the researchers as they work.
The complex has been divided into two wings, between which a recessed pathway leads into the building. Of the building's orientation, the architects explain, "Going under the east wing of the building –- nominally passing under the ground –- the building curves to the north and merges with the land."
Meanwhile, the facade is made up of interspersed mirrored panels, which are sandwiched between large windows. The windows are shielded by an alternating array of punctuated metal screens and protruding louvres.
Curvilinear Mirrored Architecture
The Australian Plant Bank Curves to Merge with the Land
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Architecture - AI technology can be applied to optimize the energy efficiency and material usage of sustainable architecture designs.
2. Biophilic Design - Incorporating natural elements, such as vegetation and natural lighting, into architectural designs can boost human well-being and productivity.
3. Interactive Visitor Experience - The integration of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies can enhance the visitor experience in exhibition spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Architectural Design - Architects can leverage digital tools and computational design techniques to create innovative and visually striking architectural structures.
2. Sustainable Construction - The construction industry can explore new materials and construction methods to improve the sustainability of buildings and reduce environmental impact.
3. Tourism and Hospitality - The tourism industry can adopt immersive technologies to create unique and interactive experiences for visitors in museums, exhibition spaces, and tourist attractions.